onePULSE Foundation Announces Inaugural Recipients of 49 Legacy Scholarships
OnePulse Foundation has announced the recipients of the inaugural 49 Legacy Scholarships in honor of the 49 people - many of them LGBTQ and LatinX - who were slain in the mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub in the early hours of June 12, 2016.
The 49 recipients "were awarded $333,000 in scholarships to be used during the 2020-2021 academic year," the OnePulse Foundation announced in a statement.
Added the OnePulse Foundation:
Working with the families and loved ones of those killed, we established the scholarships based on the respective victims' interests, careers or aspirations. As an extension of their impact on our world, the scholarships will inspire and empower students who share similar dreams, ambitions and goals.
The statement went on to say:
Preference was given to applicants who are immediate family members of the 49 victims, as well as all of the survivors of the tragedy. Three family members and three survivors were awarded inaugural scholarships.
The OnePulse Foundation shared the story of one survivor, Amanda Grau, who was inspired by the heroism of first responders on the night of the tragedy.
Said Grau:
"It has always been a passion of mine to be a firefighter and paramedic.
"I am currently a Patient Care Technician and an EMT and I have finished Fire School as well. My next goal is to become a paramedic and the onePULSE Foundation has given me the opportunity to fulfill that dream."
Another recipient, Shepard Drayton, whose sister Deonka was one of the victims murdered by the gunman, spoke of his desire to work against healthcare disparities that affect the poor, the LGBTQ community, ethnic minorities, and others.
Said Drayton:
"I believe this scholarship will undoubtedly help me accomplish my goals.
"Not only does it provide me the means in which to continue my education, but it also affords me the opportunity to carry on my sister's legacy, and one day fulfill her destiny. A destiny full of love, embrace, and acceptance for everyone."
More information about the scholarship, and a full list of the inaugural Legacy Scholarship recipients and their Angel designations, is available here.